Winter in Nasu: Warming Hot Springs, Organic Sake & Farm-to-Table Dining

As winter settles over Nasu, the highlands of Tochigi Prefecture offer travellers a restorative escape just 70 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train. In this issue, discover where to stay, soak, eat, explore, and experience seasonal highlights — from boutique ryokans and healing hot springs to organic sake, delicious local dairy products, and immersive winter experiences.

STAY: Onsen Ryokan Yamaki – Itamuro Onsen

A boutique ryokan with modern architectural design, Onsen Ryokan Yamaki has just eight guest rooms and embodies calm, minimalist elegance with a deep connection to nature. Free from opulent furnishings, it highlights the serenity of hot springs and natural surroundings. The inn’s philosophy draws on the tea ceremony principles of harmony, respect, purity, and calmness, reflected in rooms, meals, and hospitality. Multi-course kaiseki dinners feature local and seasonal ingredients, including wild plants and river fish. The large public bath includes both indoor and open-air options, while two rooms have private onsen.🔗 yamaki-onsen.com

SOAK: Matsukawaya Nasu Kogen Day Onsen

Soak in 1,400 years of history at Matsukawaya Nasu Kogen, where milky-white sulfur springs sourced from Shika-no-yu provide therapeutic warmth with stunning views. The onsen is maintained at a comfortable temperature without additives, and private baths are available for an extra fee. Formerly a full-service ryokan, Matsukawaya now focuses on day-use experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy centuries of Japanese bathing tradition while taking in pristine Nasu landscapes.🔗 matsukawaya.co.jp/en/hotspring

EXPLORE: Tentaka Organic Sake Brewery

Discover Tentaka Brewery, an award-winning family-run brewery using pure water from Mount Nasu and organic rice. Sample their signature dry sakes, including the acclaimed Organic Junmai Daiginjo Tentaka, and learn about the brewery’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly farming. For generations, Tentaka has balanced heritage with creativity, producing sake that reflects Nasu’s pristine environment. Tours can be arranged by prior reservation, and the on-site shop offers tastings.🔗 tentaka.co.jp/en

EAT: GOOD NEWS – Cheese, Ice Cream & Dairy Galore

One of the largest dairy producers in Japan, second only to Hokkaido, Nasu’s dairy heritage shines here — The GOOD NEWS Complex in Nasu combines farming and tourism to create delicious destination that supports sustainable community, including local job creation and hip branding for regional produce. Explore eco-conscious shops and cafés in GOOD NEWS Neighbors, and sample cheeses, soft-serve ice cream, and inventive dishes at GOOD NEWS Dairy. Must-tries include brown cheese burgers, brown cheese curry rice, cream puff donuts, and Butter no Itoko waffles with milk jam filling. 🔗 gooooodnews.com | Instagram

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT: YATAI to FARM – Winter Brunch

From 5 January – 20 March 2026, experience a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table winter brunch at Risonare Nasu. Guests are seated in a dome-shaped tent in the middle of a rice field, with exclusive views of the snow-capped Nasu Mountains and pastoral landscapes. Harvest ingredients from the on-site farm, including vegetables stored using the local farmers’ Dochu Chozo underground preservation method, then grill over charcoal to create a seasonal feast. This intimate experience combines nature, seasonal produce, and culinary creativity — a unique winter highlight that engages all five senses.🔗 YATAI to FARM Winter

NASU in the Media

In October, Lodestar Anthology explored Nasu during the autumn foliage season, hiking, cycling, and soaking in hot springs. Their guide highlights Nasu’s forests, volcanic peaks, temples, and onsen, describing a region where Shizen — harmony with nature — is a lived experience. From cedar-scented forests to steaming volcano fumaroles, Nasu offers a quieter, restorative side of Japan — ideal for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural immersion.

Read the full guide here: Lodestar Anthology – Nasu